Rowan County Schools Discipline and Policies Handbook

Rowan County School District Mission Statement

The Mission of the Rowan County School District is to provide individuals with sufficient knowledge and skills to allow for lifelong learning, to have respect for themselves and others, and to become productive citizens in an atmosphere that encourages creativity, physical, and emotional well-being through joint effort of the family, school, and community.

Section I: Student Misconduct And Disciplinary Response

The Rowan County School system’s discipline code addresses the variety of misconduct which may occur in the schools and the need for appropriately diverse correction alternatives by recognizing varying levels of misconduct. Each division (elementary K-5, middle 6-8, and senior high 9-12) has modified the levels to accommodate the behavioral maturity of the students it serves. The level of misconduct, the faculty responsible for imposing the disciplinary action and the disciplinary response are all cited. If the student violates the rules of good conduct, he/she will be held accountable by teachers and other school officials.

All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which will promote a proper learning atmosphere within the classroom. Students are reminded that proper behavior extends to all school property including school buses and while on field trips. The following section features the codes developed for each level in the school system.

Rowan County Middle School (6-8) Student Discipline Code

Nothing in this discipline code book should be construed as taking priority over sound judgment or doing the right thing. Every situation is not covered. There may be situations where good judgment will be the only regulation.

Dress Code

Inappropriate school dress in any style of clothing that would be disruptive to the educational process or to the safety of the students. Hair, clothing and/or accessories must not impede vision or movement which may lead to unsafe conditions for the individual or others. The following is a list of inappropriate dress:

A. Shirts, Blouses, Tops

a. No spaghetti straps, tube tops, or halter tops. Tank top straps should be at least 2” wide at the shoulder. “Dropped arm hole” clothing is not permitted. Tank tops or blouses must be worn beneath mesh, lace or other sheer fabric shirts/blouses/dresses, etc. Undergarments must be worn but not visible.

b. No clothing depicting pictures, language, statements or graphics that are obscene, racially or ethnically offensive, or pertain to drugs, alcohol, tobacco or sex, whether blatant or implied, or political advertisements (slogans or endorsements).

c. Blouses and shirts must meet the beltline of skirts, slacks/pants, or shorts. Stomachs and backs must be covered at all times.

d. No form-fitting clothing is permitted and proper undergarments must be worn but not visible.

B. Pants, Legging, Shorts, Skirts

a. Waistbands of garments must be worn above the hips with no undergarments showing;

b. Leggings must be paired with a shirt which reaches the length of the fingertips.

c. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be no shorter than 1” below the fingertips of the wearer when held at the sides of the thighs. Holes in jeans and clothing work with leggings (or legging look-a-likes) should follow the same guidelines

d. No inappropriate language or graphics (see shirts above);

e. No pajama type pants or shorts.

C. Shoes

a. No house shoes;

b. No rollerblades, Heelys, or retractable skates at any time.

D. Head coverings (only with approval of the building principal)

a. No hats or sweatbands;

b. No picks, combs, rakes or rollers.

E. Costume

a. No costume or costume accessories will be worn (wigs, tails, headbands with ears, etc.)

F. Outerwear

a. All heavy or long outerwear will be stored in the classroom or in the locker for the duration of the school day;